About

Madonna King is an award-winning journalist, author and commentator. She has long been known as the voice of current affairs in Queensland, heading the top rating current affairs program on the ABC for six years, and winning several national ABC awards for her journalism.

Madonna’s fifth, and latest book, is a biography of federal treasurer Joe Hockey. Last year she authored the biography of Australian of the Year and inventor of the cervical cancer vaccine, Ian Frazer.

Madonna writes for the Sydney Morning Herald Good Weekend magazine, and her weekly column, That Thinking Feeling, appears on Brisbane Times each Thursday. Previously, she wrote a popular Saturday column for Brisbane’s The Courier-Mail.

She has regularly appeared on breakfast television, as well as having spent many years in the Canberra press gallery reporting and interpreting politics. With her more than 20 years’ experience across newspapers, radio and television, Madonna is a sought-after facilitator, Master of Ceremonies and speaker. Thinking on her feet in an interview with the prime minister, calming the anger of a talkback caller or interviewing leading CEOs are skills she has used to advantage in traveling around Australia moderating hypotheticals or facilitating conferences on topics as varied as leadership, education, politics, business, resources, the law, tourism and the environment.

Her experience in the media and politics allows Madonna to provide a fascinating yet entertaining keynote about what goes on behind-the-scenes in politics and the decision-making process.

A fellow of the prestigious World Press Institute, Madonna has served as a visiting fellow at the Queensland University of Technology, and on the Walkley Advisory Board for Journalism. She has completed a Diploma in Company Directorships, through the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is on three not-for-profit boards.

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What People Say

Madonna flawlessly researched the issues, contacting all speakers beforehand, and her journalistic rigour, ability to think on the spot and dose of good humour meant the session was also full of valuable lessons. We’d certainly recommend her.